Zeitgeist2

A fine example of interplay between two very articulate musicians that comes highly recommended, as does the Discus label in general with its impressive catalogue of fearless leftfieldery. — BBC Music Magazine, May 2022, 5 out of 5 stars

Release Date: 28th Jan 2022
Catalogue No: DISCUS116CD
Label: Discus
Length: 40 minutes

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Shirley Smart, Robert Mitchell

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This beautiful release explores the varied paths of the respective backgrounds of the duo, and different relationships of all aspects of those musical paths to improvisation. Both have a shared classical training, in which the absence of an improvisation became both a frustration and source of inspiration. Part of the story of this album lies in their different forms of searching for this lost aspect of the classical tradition, and also the journey of embracing it in other musical forms. Robert is long established as one of the UKs finest jazz pianists and composers, and finds expression also through the medium of poetry to explore themes of his background. He also debuts here as a narrator of his own poetry, focussing on a response to the Windrush scandal and tribute to his mum and the search for global peace. Shirley spent many years in the Middle East, where she also became involved with both jazz and Middle Eastern regional traditions and their forms of improvisation. Since returning to the UK, she has established a formidable reputation as one of the most versatile and creative cellists on the scene, drawing on her various influences as a root and basis for her musical work. Both artists are also highly involved in music education. Shirley is Head of Performance at City University. Robert is Jazz Piano Professor at Guildhall School Of Music and Drama. This album brings together these different strands in each musician's journey, linked through the dialogic act of improvisation, to explore and re-explore their pasts and present. Shirley Smart - cello. Robert Mitchell - piano, voice.

Reviews

May 2022

A fine example of interplay between two very articulate musicians that comes highly recommended, as does the Discus label in general with its impressive catalogue of fearless leftfieldery.

Zeitgeist2

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